A PAIR OF JAPANESE ARITA BALUSTER VASES AND COVERS C.1700 The ovoid bodies decorated in gilt with peonies, chrysanthemum and paulownia issuing from behind trellis on a rich blue ground, the shoulder with three writhing dragons between panels of flowerheads, the covers with further dragons and flowers and topped with a fierce shishi on a rocky outcrop, 52cm max. (4) Provenance: Warrens House, Bramshaw, the New Forest. Cf. Christie's London,16th June 1998, lot 260 for a five-piece garniture with three comparable vases. This design is described as a special order made through the Dutch East India Company and copying Chinese export ceramics.